MANILA, Philippines—totâ, the musical brainchild of Josh Villena, has unleashed his highly anticipated single, “Hello,” on January 12, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic journey. The track serves as a testament to totâ’s evolution as both an artist and songwriter, showcasing his growth and musical prowess. From his early beginnings to the present, totâ has consistently honed his sound, retaining the essence of his original style while embracing a more dynamic, fuller sound by collaborating with a live band.
Influenced by musical legends such as Tears for Fears, Eagles, and The Cure, “Hello” features a haunting guitar riff that seamlessly merges acoustic and electric elements, creating a uniquely eerie ambiance. The song explores the unexpected calls and alerts that startle totâ, embodying the emotions of surprise and contemplation. Serving as a metaphor for life’s unforeseen moments, “Hello” is a collaborative masterpiece, with contributions from sound engineers Marc Reyes and Kyle Cayton, as well as musicians Miko Villena, Jazz Dufourt, Gabba Santiago, and Rye Sarmiento.
Art Cover Courtesy of totâ.
Through its lyrics, arrangement, and musical elements, “Hello” deliberately communicates the complexities of overthinking, encapsulating the theme of missing out on opportunities due to being lost in thought. The standout line, “Nagriring ang telepono, ayaw kong sagutin” (“The phone is ringing, I don’t want to answer”), succinctly captures the essence of the song’s theme – the hesitation and introspection triggered by an unexpected call.
Navigating the challenges of introducing totâ’s unique sound amidst a sea of emerging artists, the recognition from industry veterans and the ability to distinguish totâ’s style from his other band, Autotelic, are particularly rewarding experiences. Driven by a pure love for music-making, totâ aims to tell stories and reveal different facets of himself as a songwriter, maintaining a fresh and authentic creative process. Fans can anticipate a series of upcoming singles that collectively narrate totâ’s story, with details of an EP, album, or tour remaining a tantalizing mystery for the future.
Image Courtesy of totâ.
“Hello” is now available on all major streaming platforms, inviting listeners to embark on a new journey with totâ and explore the depths of his evolving musical landscape.
Starting off 2024 with a bang, totâ’s latest single has already secured the #6 spot on Fresh Finds Philippines on Spotify, following a dynamic 2023 marked by live performances and the release of captivating singles like “Malikmata” and “Katok.” As the months unfold, the anticipation for more distinct and imaginative musical narratives from totâ remains high.
To add to the excitement, the music video for “Katok,” produced by Lunchbox Creatives, has recently been launched, and additional live performances are now available on Youtube. Since totâ’s debut with Off The Record in May 2023, the track has resonated w
idely, earning a spot on Spotify Philippines’ Fresh Finds Playlist and garnering attention across major streaming platforms. Fans of totâ’s innovative fusion of symphonic alt-rock can stay tuned to his social media channels for updates and announcements!